1. Genuine Futures
  2. Sam’s Story

Sam’s Story – From Surviving to Leading

“I was excluded. Ignored. Locked up at 15. Now I’m a social entrepreneur helping others break free too.”

— Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures

🔥 Why Book Sam’s Story?

A Talk That Connects, Challenges, and Changes Lives

Are you looking for a speaker who does more than just inspire?
Someone who’s lived it, survived it, and now leads others out of it?

Sam’s Story: From Surviving to Leading isn’t your average motivational talk. It’s raw, real, and deeply relatable — built around lived experience of exclusion, care, prison, grief, and trauma… and the fight back.

From permanent school exclusion, to a secure unit at 13, to youth custody at 15, and a decade in and out of prison — including during the Strangeways riots —Sam Smith has lived through it all.

But that wasn’t the end.
It was the beginning.

He rebuilt his life, launched a successful business, mentored hundreds of young people, and now leads Genuine Futures — a movement changing lives across the UK.

🎯 What You’ll Get

✅ A professional, trauma-informed speaker with powerful lived experience
✅ A message that speaks directly to those at risk of exclusion or disengagement
✅ Actionable insights around resilience, growth, and self-worth
✅ A turning point for young people who need a reason to believe

🎤 Ideal For:

  • Secondary schools (Years 9–13)
  • PRUs & Alternative Provision
  • Youth justice and care leaver programmes
  • NEET support and re-engagement services
  • Conferences and staff CPD on inclusion and behaviour

Let’s raise aspirations.

Let’s break the cycle.
Let’s show young people what’s possible.

📧 hello@genuinefutures.co.uk
📞 07809 486931
📱 @GenuineFutures

Download PDF Here

Themes Covered in Sam’s Story

  • School exclusion & the care system
  • Youth custody & lived experience of prison
  • Loss, grief, addiction & resilience
  • Entrepreneurship & real-life skill building
  • Trauma-informed support
  • Ownership, growth & hope
  • Empowerment & second chances

One parent recently shared her heartfelt story about her son Jaxon, who joined our Boss Your Future programme in February 2025. Her words remind us exactly why we do what we do:

“Since Jaxon started his journey with you in February 2025, I have seen such a positive change in him. Before, he didn’t know what he wanted to be, and I didn’t know how to help him. A careers adviser recommended he join the Genuine Futures: Boss Your Future programme, and we honestly couldn’t be happier.

Right from the start, he would come home in an amazing mood, proud of what he’d achieved each time. Sam and Mike have worked tirelessly to help my son set and reach his goals, build his confidence, work as part of a team, and make new friends. He’s even met some amazing and inspiring people through this programme.

I can see he’s matured so much in such a short space of time; it’s definitely given him a real sense of purpose. Jaxon has even had the chance to do work experience, which isn’t something many young people his age get to do anymore. He told me it was the best experience he’s ever had — he never wanted it to end, and neither did we as his parents.

If you’re a parent wondering whether this programme is right for your child, it’s a 100% yes from me!”

“Sam’s story hit our students harder than anything we’ve delivered. It’s not just a talk — it’s a reset button.”
– Head of Year, Greater Manchester

“The impact of Sam’s talk was evident in the enthusiasm and curiosity it sparked among our students. Questions like ‘Will he be coming back?’ and ‘Do you think Sam will give me a job?’ highlight the connection they felt with him.

Words like inspired, happy, and aware emerged in the feedback from both students and staff.

The infectious nature of Sam’s enthusiasm left a lasting impression, motivating learners to pursue work experiences and consider alternative career paths.”
– Janette Hilton, Safeguarding Lead, Aurora Woodlands School

“It was fantastic — really, really inspiring and engaging. Looking round the auditorium, every single kid was engaged in both stories, so really, really positive.”

– Matt Connolly, Deputy Head Teacher, Ellesmere Park High School, Salford

“I was gobsmacked by how it impacted me as well as the kids. I found it so true to life, so inspirational — and just to see a specific student of ours get up, want to talk to you, and reach out — I just thought that was lovely. It made my year. The messages were hard-hitting, real, and raw.”

– Mrs Yates, Physical Health Teacher, Ellesmere Park High School, Salford

 

Book Sam to Speak

Book Sam to Speak

Ideal for:

  • Secondary schools & PRUs
  • Alternative provision & NEET support
  • Youth justice & care leavers
  • Staff CPD & trauma-informed training
  • Youth conferences & events

e: hello@genuinefutures.co.uk
m: 07809 486931
sm: @GenuineFutures

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